Bangkok

Media

Thailand's constitution guarantees freedom of the press, and most outside observers agree that the Thai press enjoys a reasonable amount of freedom. Nevertheless, writers and reporters exercise a degree of self-censorship, due to unwritten but very real government constraints. Criticism of the monarchy is especially frowned upon. The majority of Thailand's newspapers are based in Bangkok; most of these are independent and privately owned. The Thai Rath and the Daily News have the largest readerships. Government agencies, including the Thai News Agency, issue many of their own reports.

The Office of the Prime Minister controls radio and television broadcasting. Hours, content, and programs all must be approved by government officials. The National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) is the official government broadcasting station, focusing on local and international news.

By the 1980s television had become Bangkok's dominant news medium, with nine out of ten households owning at least one television set. Computer and internet use are still mostly confined to the upper classes.